1971 - Attendees at the third annual Offshore Technology Conference gathered around an elaborate display of miniature marine drilling platforms, process facilities and derrick barges in the Halliburton exhibit. The three-day conference, was held in the Astrohall, attracting about 5,000 registrants on opening day. less

1971 - Attendees at the third annual Offshore Technology Conference gathered around an elaborate display of miniature marine drilling platforms, process facilities and derrick barges in the Halliburton exhibit. ... more

1978 - The Astrohall is crowded with attendees of the 1978 Offshore Technology Conference

1978 - The Astrohall is crowded with attendees of the 1978 Offshore Technology Conference

Photo: Frerd Bunch, Houston Chronicle

1978 - The Astrohall is crowded with attendees of the 1978 Offshore... Photo-4575133.61674 - StamfordAdvocate

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Taboola Gallery Frame Item-85307.61674 - StamfordAdvocate

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1979 - Oil industry equipment fills the Harris County Domed Stadium (Astrodome) playing field as part of the four-day 11th annual Offshore Technology Conference. Exhibits also spilled over into the Astrohall, headquarters for the conference. less

1979 - Oil industry equipment fills the Harris County Domed Stadium (Astrodome) playing field as part of the four-day 11th annual Offshore Technology Conference. Exhibits also spilled over into the Astrohall, ... more

1982 - More than 108,000 engineers, scientists and exploration managers were expected to file through the Astrodomain by the time the 14th annual Offshore Technology Conference completed its four-day stay. Exhibits overflowed out of the Astrohall in this photo taken during a helicopter ride owned by Bell Helicopter Textron. less

1982 - More than 108,000 engineers, scientists and exploration managers were expected to file through the Astrodomain by the time the 14th annual Offshore Technology Conference completed its four-day stay. ... more

1982 - Equipment is set up around the Astrodome in preparation for the 14th annual Offshore Technology Conference to be held May 1982 - The Offshore Technology Conference exhibits included the two largest displays ever erected in that area: the 172-foot Oilfield Industrial Lines Inc. rig, at the left, topped with a giant hard hat, and the Ideco rig with a 142-foot mast seen at right. less

1982 - Equipment is set up around the Astrodome in preparation for the 14th annual Offshore Technology Conference to be held May 1982 - The Offshore Technology Conference exhibits included the two largest ... more

Photo: Sandra Shriver, Houston Chronicle

1982 - Equipment is set up around the Astrodome in preparation for... Photo-4575141.61674 - StamfordAdvocate

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Taboola Gallery Frame Item-85307.61674 - StamfordAdvocate

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1983 - The Astrodome complex (Astrodomain) for the Offshore Technology Conference was packed with cars and exhibits even though attendance is down from previous years.

1983 - The Astrodome complex (Astrodomain) for the Offshore Technology Conference was packed with cars and exhibits even though attendance is down from previous years.

1990 - On the exhibit floor of the Offshore Technology Conference, oil service and supply companies displayed the latest technologies and engineers discussed the newest concepts for use in the offshore environment. There were 1,240 exhibiting companies renting 210,000 square feet of space. less

1990 - On the exhibit floor of the Offshore Technology Conference, oil service and supply companies displayed the latest technologies and engineers discussed the newest concepts for use in the offshore ... more

1992 - A camera operator focused on a participant at the Offshore Technology Conference's debate between energy company executives and environmental activists. The six-person debate, moderated by journalist Hodding Carter, was the first televised event ever for the annual industry trade show. The 1-1/2-hour program, coordinated by the Jefferson Energy Foundation and New Vision Communications Ltd., was broadcast live to several universities across the country and will be televised again as part of Public Broadcasting System's "Man, Energy & the Environment" series. less

1992 - A camera operator focused on a participant at the Offshore Technology Conference's debate between energy company executives and environmental activists. The six-person debate, moderated by journalist ... more

Photo: John Everett, Houston Chronicle

1992 - A camera operator focused on a participant at the Offshore... Photo-4575147.61674 - StamfordAdvocate

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1992 - A camera operator works at the Offshore Technology Conference's debate between energy company executives and environmental activists. The six-person debate, moderated by journalist Hodding Carter, was the first televised event ever for the annual industry trade show. The 1-1/2-hour program, coordinated by the Jefferson Energy Foundation and New Vision Communications Ltd., was broadcast live to several universities across the country and will be televised again as part of Public Broadcasting System's "Man, Energy & the Environment" series less

1992 - A camera operator works at the Offshore Technology Conference's debate between energy company executives and environmental activists. The six-person debate, moderated by journalist Hodding Carter, was ... more

Photo: Ira Strickstein, Houston Chronicle

1992 - A camera operator works at the Offshore Technology... Photo-4575148.61674 - StamfordAdvocate

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1983 - Exhibits for the Offshore Technology Conference outside the Astrohall beckon conference attendees to the entrance of the hall.

1983 - Exhibits for the Offshore Technology Conference outside the Astrohall beckon conference attendees to the entrance of the hall.